HEALTH AND EXERCISE: Fitness trends for 2025

There always seems to be something new in the world of fitness. Whether it’s new equipment at the gym, a new exercise class or a new device or tool to help you improve, the fitness industry is constantly changing. Some of them are so popular that they are considered “trends,” attracting the attention of fitness professionals and exercisers.

Here are the top 10 fitness trends to look for in 2025, compiled from a survey of exercise professionals by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

1. Wearable fitness technology. From trackers to heart rate monitors to devices that do both and more, the newest “wearables” are advanced devices for recording your steps per day , the distance you run and the calories you burn. Make sure you choose a device that meets your needs… and your budget, as they can be expensive!

2. Mobile exercise equipment. There are many popular resources that make it easy to find health and wellness programs. New and experienced exercisers can benefit from the ideas and instructions for safe, effective exercise. These devices often connect to and provide feedback based on wearables, so it makes sense that apps are high on the list this year.

3. Exercise programs for the elderly. With people living longer, staying fit and active in old age is a priority for many. Exercise can improve strength and endurance to help people recovering from cancer or other chronic illnesses and allow older people to lead active lives.

4. Exercise for weight loss. Often combined with some type of dietary changes, exercise can increase weight gain and prevent weight gain. This traditionally involves aerobic exercise, but now the emphasis is on maintaining muscle and building strength.

5. Strength training with free weights. In addition to building toning muscles, strength training can make daily activities easier, help maintain bones and promote weight loss. All resistance training is good, but working with free weights can promote greater improvement and can be incorporated into other types of exercise.

6. High intensity interval training (HIIT), which uses repeated periods of short, intense or intense exercise alternating with short periods of rest. These HIIT sessions usually last less than 30 minutes but lead to better fitness than long-term training.

7. Data-driven training technology. Often used with wearable technology and connected apps, data-driven coaching technology can help people understand how they respond to exercise and other health activities, such as eating, sleeping and depression. This can allow people to change their lifestyle to achieve certain health goals.

8. Exercise for mental health. This approach focuses on exercise as a way to improve mental health, including reducing feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. This is part of a wider recognition that mental health is important to everyone, and taking action – literally, through exercise – is a healthy way to improve it.

9. Practical training. This includes strength, balance and range of motion training to improve the ability to perform many physical activities. For example, athletes have long used physical training to focus on the movements they use in their sports, but the same principle applies to work demands and daily activities.

10. Health and wellness training. This goes beyond the exercise leadership that personal trainers provide. Trained and certified coaches use the principles of behavior modification to build supportive relationships in health programs and lifestyles. Based on a coach’s expectations, they provide guidance, support and encouragement to help clients build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you decide to follow an exercise regimen or not, make sure you make time each day to be active. Health and fitness will always be in fashion!